The contrast with his remarks in April 2019 is striking. Welcoming Félix Tshisekedi to Washington just months after he came to power, Nagy had hailed him as “the very first truly democratic president to emerge through a democratic transfer of power” in Central Africa. He had then declared his hope that 2019 would become “the year of Congo,” adding that “for the very first time in its history, Congo will be truly democratic and truly a republic.”

He had also highlighted what he described at the time as achievements by the new head of state: improved relations with Rwanda and Uganda, the release of hundreds of political prisoners, and instructions to security forces not to block opposition demonstrations.

Americans have not yet seen the real monster who is deceiving them and leading them astray. They would be wise to bring a long spoon when dining with the devil.